Statement from Mayor Landrieu on President Obama's proposals to reduce gun violence

"Reducing violent crime and murder and making New Orleans safe is the most important issue facing the city of New Orleans. President Obama's proposals are a step in the right direction toward combating gun violence in our city and across America.

"I strongly encourage Congress to broaden the focus to restoring the funding for mental health services and local law enforcement. Federal funding for local law enforcement has been cut by 50 percent since the 1990s in New Orleans alone.

"The vast majority of Americans demand leadership on both sides of this issue. I look forward to common sense reform on the federal level this year."